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October 04, 2014

I have not been on a true vacation in over 5 years. I really need one. I am the sweetest, nicest person but when I am cranky – watch out! lol What makes me cranky? Lack of sleep, rest, tranquility . . . having no vacation time life until November. #ARGH.

Reality TV is my little escape from this stressful world. Sitting at a computer all day is enough to drive anyone stir-crazy. I watch. I write. The world keeps spinning on its axis.

This past week, I watched the R&B Divas Season 2 Reunion – Part 1 and 2. I am left wondering why we women cannot get along and build. Actually, I am re-watching it again because I am still confused.

No one seems to like each other and I DON’T GET IT. As an observer, I see that each woman is marginalized in the industry. If they would only collaborate, they could be a force of change and great music. A perfect example is the Puerto Rican project.

If you have been a long time reader of mine, you know I have a soft spot for Puerto Ricans, er, Puerto Rico. (I want to go on vacation so bad.)

How can you be mad in Puerto Rico?

The ladies are commissioned by the Puerto Rican Tourist Bureau to create a song for Puerto Rican tourism. They create a beautiful song. That fact is lost among the fighting over rehearsal, parts, performance. They argue in a rain forest.

Side note: Some friends went to Puerto Rico this summer and had an argument in the rain forest.

On the reunion, everyone airs their grievances about Chante Moore. Chrisette Michele, Lil’ Mo and Leelah James to some extent are not feeling Chante Moore. They state she acts like the world revolves around her. Chante is sitting on that couch looking freaking flawless, like, I woke up like this . . . flawless. I am left wondering if this is the real source of the problem. Pretty girls do have it tough. Like, oh, that pretty girl doesn't wanna be my friend. I hate her! lol

I write for therapy. I write to understand life and myself. Ultimately, I am looking at the world searching for my reflection. As a black woman and a singer – I thought I could identify with these women. They are doing what they love for a living. Does it get any better than this in life?

So why so serious?

After sitting through this, I really need a vacation. . . Puerto Rico? Note to self: Stay away from the rain forest.

August 16, 2014

I was scouring the internet for a competent review of this week's episode of R&B Divas LA. Finding none, I decided to write one.

I am loving the new addition to the show - Chrisette Michele and Leela James. These two are eclectic artists with good spirits. They add fresh air and new perspective to the show.

This episode focused on the mental health of one of the veteran stars - Michel'le Toussant.

Recap:

Chrisette's boo is out as producer of the Puerto Rico project and Warryn Campbell is in.

Michel'le is performing at the Crenshaw MLK Day Parade. She is told last minute that her 15 minute set (for which she practiced) is now a 30 minute set. She is very upset and seems to spiral out of control. She starts 'babbling' as Leelah James put it. It does not help that the sound is totally wack during the performance. michel'le even walks off stage at one point until the sound engineers can get it together. Needless to say, all of the ladies are concerned about her health.

Leelah and Lil' Mo visit Michel'le as home. Michel'le is surprisingly candid about her feelings and current emotional challenges. She shares her feelings of abandonment which arise from being displaced as a child from her mother and later her father.

The episode concludes with Michel'le visiting a psychologist. This psychologist is professional, concerned and firm about the seriousness of Michel'le's current condition.

I have written on Talulazoeapple before on mental health issues, specifically, the suicide death of a very good friend of mine. I am excited that such a popular show has decided to shine a light on such a serious issue. Mental illness is such a taboo subject in the African American community. We blame the victim. We blame the devil. Where is the help?

I briefly worked as a case manager. There was a woman who threatened suicide - once over the phone and once in person. As she sat at my desk, I searched for resources to provide her with the care she needed. How ironic - I am working in a social services agency with no resources for suicide prevention. I called a doctor's offices and one kind gentleman gae me the number to a mobile crisis hot line.

These people took care of this woman - sick, no insurance in a dark place. They drove to her home, diagnosed her and provided medication. When I saw her again, she looked like sunshine.

Kudos to the people who volunteer and service those suffering from mental illness. Kudos to TV One and R&B Divas for shedding a light on this serious issue.

May 30, 2012

The old not having cable has caused me to develop a liking for a show called Criminal Minds starring Shemar Moore. On last night's episode, Mr. Moore's character uttered a bit of truth that rang resounding in my mind - behavior never lies!

I get so disappointed sometimes when people do not live up to what they say or who they claim to be. If I am honest with myself, I already knew most of that. I know you are probably thinking what are you talking about? For instance, if someone says they are going to do something and does not (on a consistent basis), it is because they do not want to. Long story less long, people make time for what is important to them. Their behavior will reveal the truth always. Point. Blank. Period.

The moral of this post is that sometimes the Lord will use a super-fine hunk of a man to impart some sage wisdom into your life.

March 31, 2012

As you know, I gave up "The Cable." The sky did not fall just my monthly expenditures.

Aren't I clever? You know the sky falling but my expenditures are . . . nevermind.

Every Friday, I would search my internet for the episodes of Braxton Family Values - the one reality show that I kept on rotation. Then I watched the reunion show hosted by Wendy Williams today.

I am am convinced that reality TV is the devil!

My favorite characters - Trina, Towanda, Traci, Tamar, Miss E and Toni B - are super funny but each chick has a quote or unintelligible word phrase that must be repeated. I get it. It is all a part of branding, but do we all have to be reduced to a, "what you talkin' bout Willis?" statement. Yes, Tamar Braxton actually uses this phrase.

Ugh, why must I be so analytical? Why can't I just enjoy mindless entertainment?

Darn it, I'm educated. I have the bill to prove it. That's why.

I think the Braxton sisters need an intervention - positive energy. We nerds know that without the input of energy things tend toward disorder. This show may be unraveling and I need this show. I can't go back to scripted TV. I just cannot!

How about showcasing what these women are accomplishing now that they have the spotlight? Toni Braxton is still a superstar. Tamar and Vince have a spin-off show. I have got some great ideas for the rest of the cast.

Trina can go on tour. Towanda can take an acting class. Traci can do everybody's hair. Miss E can hand out bible verses and peppermint candy. Just kidding. Ms. E is superduper fabulous. I love her!

Now how difficult was that WeTv?

On the positive side, the girls looked fabulous and Trina's hair was EVERYTHING to me. *cue Monica singing* After all, this is why I watch. Where else can you see women of color, going to fab parties, wearing the latest fashion, spending exorbitant amounts of money on shoes with red bottoms and hobnobbing with a superstar sister?

I will allow myself to feel intellectually superior to other reality tv junkies who devour lessor quality shows like the Kardashians or Real Housewives of wherever they call women who are not married housewives as I wait patiently for next season to get my full of Braxton Family Values.

February 11, 2012

I ran across this video over at Women of High Standard. In the clip First Lady Michelle Obama briefly addresses the "angry black woman," image that opponents have tried to portray her as.

Any image of FLOTUS Michelle Obama that I see, she is always poised and professional. What has she done that could be described as "angry."

I think images are powerful and one reason I had to stop watching the Real Housewives of Atlanta.

Why is it in the age of Michelle Obama, the country has seemed to rally around the RHOA breakout start, Nene Leakes?

I think it is unfair to point out Leakes as a representative of all black women but, again, images are powerful.

Nene Leakes' character on the show is the angry black woman stereotype and to a smaller degree so is Sheree Whitfield's on air persona. I say "on air persona" and "character" because reality tv is not, in fact, real. Who in real life has producers prompting drama and cameras filming their every move?

February 06, 2011

You cannot appear on reality TV (What Chilli Wants) and not have articles (non-racing related) written about you, especially, when you are the future husband of my friend, TB.

Okay, cute dimples? lol

Raphael Matos was cut by Chilli from Season 2 of this crazy, unrealistic dating show, What Chilli Wants. Really, Chilli if you are going to cut a freaking Brazilian race car driver who looks like this,

you are nuts!

Clearly, Chilli wants a season 3 and to keep spending Floyd "Ike Turner" Mayweather's money. Click the hyperlink to find out more about that. *Hint* It is baby momma related. SMH

Back to Matos.

He is from Bela Horizonte, Brazil and is an IndyCar Series driver and. . .he has dimples. . . .and. . .speaks with an accent. . .and . . .

October 11, 2010

You all know that I heart the cancelled TV show, Girlfriends. I have several seasons on DVD. I think it is the superior of the Mara Brock Akil penned shows. The Game, the more popular of Akil's shows, never captured me in the same way Girlfriends did.

I felt the writing for Girlfriends evolved over the lifetime of the show. The characters were developed in depth and became more layered. The Game, lacks this depth of characterization. The cast members are so one dimensional. It's like watching the same episode over and over again each time I happen to catch the show on TV.

Alas, Girlfriends was cancelled back in 2008 and all I have now are memories. . .and this little quiz.

Joan: Perpetually, lonely and ever searching for her enchanted love. Joan is the quintessential over 30 single, professional, beautiful black woman. She is quirky and a little bit crazy.

Maya: You can take the girl out of the hood but not the hood out of the girl. You notice I did not call her ghetto. Maya's character was never portrayed as ignorant. She was always trying to better herself. Plus she was married. Lord knows the show needed at least one happily married sista to give hope to all of the rest of the desperately lonely cast.

Lynn: Sexually unihibited as well as work-phobic, Lynn is the unsuccessful friend. She is also free-spirited and open to new things. This is the quality I liked most about her character.

Toni: I ain't saying she a gold-digger but you know the rest. I secretly liked Toni. In the words of Joan, "You are the bitch I have always wanted to be." Everyone needs a bitch in their life.

I can honestly say, I am a mix of all of these characters. I am from the westside of Chicago (Maya), I have my MBA and I am so picky about men (Joan), I am perpetually seeking employment and consider myself open to new experiences (Lynn) , and I want to get in touch with my inner bitch (Toni). lol

December 20, 2009

Best known for her stint as Rose on 227 from 1985-1990, I remember Alaina Reed Hall as Olivia on Sesame Street - the Sesame Street I loved in my youth before Elmo. ELMO!!!!!!!!!

It is sad to hear of her passing, she was only 63.

During her life she accomplished many acting feats. She began her career on Broadway starring in Hair and Chicago. She landed the role as Olivia on Sesame Street in 1976. Throughout the years, she had a few guest spots including ER and Ally McBeal. She also did many commercials.